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Air sampling may provide a safe and effective method for detecting horses infected with equine influenza virus (EIV), according to new research from Japan.
EIV, a highly contagious respiratory disease in horses, spreads through aerosolised droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces (“fomites”). Traditionally, confirming EIV infection requires nasopharyngeal swabs, which can be invasive and challenging, especially for untrained or aggressive horses.
A study conducted by researchers at the Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, in Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan, has demonstrated that EIV can be recovered directly from the air surrounding infected horses. The research, led by Manabu Nemoto and colleagues and published in Veterinary Microbiology, involved experiments with two horses intentionally infected with EIV and housed in individual stalls.
Air samples were collected daily for 13 days post-inoculation using an air sampler. The findings showed that EIV RNA was detected in 26 out of 28 air samples using real-time RT-PCR and in 23 samples using a rapid molecular test kit. Significantly, viral RNA was detected in the air before the horses displayed clinical symptoms, emphasising the potential of air sampling for early detection.
The research team highlighted that air sampling is a non-invasive and safe alternative to traditional methods, avoiding the risks associated with swab collection. Additionally, the combination of air sampling with rapid molecular diagnostic kits, which can identify viral RNA in under 30 minutes, offers a practical and efficient approach for monitoring and controlling EIV outbreaks.
They suggest that this method could be particularly beneficial in quarantine facilities and other high-risk settings where early detection and containment of EIV are essential.
For more details, see:
Manabu Nemoto, Nanako Kawanishi, Yoshinori Kambayashi, Hiroshi Bannai, Takashi Yamanaka, Koji Tsujimura,
Detection of equine influenza virus gene in the air around infected horses,
Veterinary Microbiology, (2025), Vol 302, 110388,
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